People come from all over to visit and enjoy Saugeen Shores' beautiful, sandy beaches. Here you will find incredible sunsets, opportunities for swimming, water sports, relaxing, and picnic areas and playgrounds. Our beaches offer something for everyone during any family outing.

You can also find many attractions and sights near the beach, such as passing sailboats and Chantry Island.

For more information, view details and locations of each of our beaches.

Status due to COVID-19

All outdoor recreational spaces are open for use, including beaches. Please follow public health guidance and posted signage. Visit our public washroom listing for locations and availability. Refer to the Town's COVID-19 page for the most up to date information.

Beach rules and etiquette

To maintain an enjoyable experience for all beach users, the Town's Parks by-law governs what is and is not permitted on the Town's beaches. Please review the rules below when planning your visit. View the Parks by-law.

 General rules
  • No barbecues, open fires or fireworks are permitted on the beach
  • Public use barbecues are available in the park area east of the Port Elgin harbour
  • Enclosed tents are not permitted
  • Small sun shelters and umbrellas are permitted (maximum 2 metres by 2 metres)
  • Dogs are not permitted on the beaches from May to October except in designated dog-friendly areas
  • No motorized or electric vehicles on the beach
  • Boats are not permitted to moor on or pick-up passengers from shore
  • No motorized watercraft in designed swim areas marked by buoys
  • Put garbage in provided garbage cans. If they're full, take it with you
  • Do not dispose of household garbage or leave broken items beside garbage cans
  • Do not feed the wildlife. Geese and seagulls will become more aggressive
  • Walk your wheels on the Port Elgin beach promenade and Southampton beach boardwalk
  • Stay off the beach grass and dunes. Use designated boardwalks and access points
  • No open alcohol
  • Avoid loud music that is disruptive to other beachgoers

Beach maintenance

The Saugeen Shores Beach Maintenance Plan outlines the actions taken by the Town to care for our 18 km of shoreline. The shoreline is divided into 10 maintenance areas, each with specific instructions regarding care of facilities and land.

 Actions included in the plan
  • Garbage collection
  • Litter removal
  • Lifesaving station maintenance
  • Beach access points
  • Beach grooming
  • Dunes
  • Invasive species control
  • Grass cutting
  • Parking lot maintenance
  • Washroom maintenance
  • Water quality testing
  • Playground maintenance
  • Snow fencing

Water Safety

 Waterfront safety guide

Request a copy of the guide with best practices for staying safe around the water. Learn more about topics such as:

  • Being wave and current smart
  • Supervision around water
  • Tips to prevent drowning and swim safe
  • Water safety statistics
  • How to break the grip of a rip tide
 Water safety videos

Life saving stations: how to use the equipment

Along our shoreline we have 38 life saving stations, which are here for the safety of our residents and visitors. In this short video, we'll show you how to use them if the need arises. Together we can keep our beaches safe this summer!

Open water safety

Children and families love to spend time around the water and Saugeen shores beaches! To make sure everyone has fun this summer, it's important to know how to stay safe and be Water Smart. Join us as we share how to enjoy a fun, safe day at the beach.

Backyard pool safety

Swimming in a backyard pool is a fun way to stay active and keep kids busy on hot days! Watch as we show you how to make sure family and friends stay safe this summer.
 Water safety resources

Waterfront Best Management Principles

Request a copy of a guide for sustainable shoreline properties in the Town of Saugeen Shores. Highlights include:

  • Where to start
  • Anatomy of a healthy beach
  • Lake levels and beaches processes
  • Restoring your beach
  • Managing storm water, pathways and set backs
  • Resilient property checklist

Waterfront Master Plan

Our beaches are a crucial part of our Waterfront Master Plan. View the plan to learn more about topics such as:

  • Beach grooming
  • Signage
  • Dogs on beaches
  • Parking
  • Lookout areas

The plan guides the Town of Saugeen Shores in enhancing the waterfront. It aims to coordinate and link the communities of Southampton, Port Elgin and Saugeen Township to protect the waterfront for residents, visitors and future generations.

The Port Elgin Waterfront Design Concept provides a comprehensive year-round vision and conceptual design for the Port Elgin waterfront that complements the Waterfront Master Plan.